PAWS Chicago Alumni
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
I wanted to thank you so much for helping me through the adoption process with PAWS Chicago. Sawyer and Rex are doing very well after their first week together! As anticipated, Rex was not the happiest I've ever seen him the day Sawyer came home but everyone is getting along fine now and they've learned each other's boundaries. It's hilarious to
watch them play together! Sawyer has been a little sweetheart since the first day! He has a great personality and loves to cuddle. I think Rex has learned a lot from Sawyer, as he has mellowed out quite a bit. Take care, Valerie Hansen
 

Dear PAWS Chicago,
You had this cutie listed as Achilles, and we have renamed him Ranger. Ranger isn't too interested in his doggy toys, preferring instead to play with baby toys, rattles, and key rings. He has grown quite a bit since we took him home a few weeks ago and now he weighs 8 ½ lbs! We just love him.
- Arnhild Urda
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
Ipod (or Bugsy as we are calling him now) is adjusting really well! He is such a good kitten. He is eating well and is really fun to play and cuddle with. My other cat, Zeus, has really taken to him already, but Bugsy is still a little nervous and scared right now so he shows him that he isn't quite ready to play just yet. This morning, though, was the first time Bugsy actually went up to Zeus and gave him
a kiss and then went running away. It was really cute. My husband is really attached to Bugsy already too. It is amazing how much you can love a little kitten in such a short amount of time. Here is a picture of both Zeus and Bugsy. - Lisa
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
I just wanted to update you all on little "Rip" Van Winkle. I adopted him in January 2006 from the PAWS Bloomingdale's event in Oak Brook. He has become the best thing that ever happened to me, and I am so lucky I have him. He is already potty trained, loves to run around like a nut in my backyard, and just graduated from puppy training class. He can sit, come when called, and give paw. His
favorite thing to do is roll over, which he does with little effort because he always gets a standing ovation and a peanut butter treat afterwards. I must admit I have spoiled him rotten with the basket of toys he has, as well as all the bones I bring him home from work. Thank you PAWS for bringing this little angel into my life. I can't imagine my life without him. Thanks again! - Felicia Figlewicz & Rip
 
Hello PAWS Chicago,
I wanted to let you know Cisco and Tyne are doing great. We love them so much.
Thanks,
Lorraine Moore
 
Hello PAWS Chicago
Rosie just wanted to let you know that she is doing fine. She and I are best friends. We go almost everywhere together. She loves car rides and walks in the parks, but she still has bad dreams at night. I think she is dreaming of Hurricane Katrina and she won't go out in the rain. Thanks!
- Carol Huntowski
 
My husband, Jason, and I adopted our little puppy, then named Hermes, back on April 1st, and he made himself part of the family immediately. We've renamed him Tucker, and I think he likes it. We  love having Tucker as he's added some spice to our somewhat routine life. He loves the backyard (especially helping me pick up the sticks on the ground, and absolutely loves to chase his new sister, a cat named Emily around. He's getting  very spunky and
playful, although all the photos I included he's lounging like an old fart. He is proud to understand "sit" and "paw," but has to work a bit on the "no biting" part. The neighbors come flocking to meet the new puppy on the block, and  everywhere we go we draw a crowd (it must be those ears!). So to put it quickly: we are very happy with our adoption and PAWS in general, and thanks for Tucker. He is really a sweet little guy.  
Sincerely, Lisa Schertz
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
What can we say about our Phoebe (PAWS name Eunice) except that we all adore her. I cannot believe how lucky we are. She is so smart, playful and adorable. She plays with our lab, Buddy ,which is so great for him. And Bailey, my pug, has decided to like her most of the time! It is hard to remember our life before her. She is a perfect fit. This picture is Phoebe and Baily in her Furrcedes bed. Santa brought
it for her!  - Heidi Simon and Phoebe Penelope
 
Dear PAWS Chicago
Here is a picture of Daisy (PAWS name Prancer) with her best buddy, Len. Rarely does he get a chance to read the paper without his favorite and most nosey girl. In the morning, if Len is still in bed, Daisy will sit on
his chest. Just a subtle hint that she is awake, and he should be too. She's most unique to say the least. Thanks!
- Len
 
One night I dragged my boyfriend over to the Cat Adoption Center to get my feline fix. While there, I bent down to pet a sleeping cat when little Seymour just jumped right into my lap. The poor little guy was real skinny and had a bad cold. What can I say it was love at first sight! Even my boyfriend fell for this little lover. I just knew we had to take him home and nurse him back to health. Today he is fully recovered and has lots of energy, but he’s always up for a nap in your lap. Every day he
makes us laugh, we can’t imagine life without him. We are so grateful PAWS rescued him and brought him into our lives!
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
Sally is a wonderful companion, very sweet and a lot of fun.  We finished  a basic training package with her and am continuing with another series of  more advanced lessons.  I want to look into agility training for her as well  this summer, as I think she'll have a great time with it!  Thank you for rescuing her and taking such great care of the animals you save!
- Jean Olsen
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
Shante and Tucker are very energetic and thoroughly enjoy their new duplex apartment. Running up and down the stairs or pushing toys through the banister are among their favorite activities. They have also been known to sit by the drawer that contains the laser pointer pleading with their eyes for a quick game of chasing the light. Shante loves curling up on our laps and being brushed. For those of you that know
Tucker, you will be glad to know that his appetite has not changed and he is as voracious as ever. - Abby and Elizabeth Schmitt
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
We adopted Cecelia (AKA Thumbelina) and Bruno (AKA Peter Pan) in October 2005. We were hesitant about two kittens but adopting them together was a wonderful decision. Cecelia is a Katrina rescue, and came to our house a little skittish. Bruno is a very cuddly and daring little guy who brings out the best in Cecelia. These two
are very sociable, I think due to having each other. They have a constant playmate and love when we have guests because that means even more attention. And they hardly ever sleep without touching each other in some way!  Thanks again! - Dan and Jessica Sieburg
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
Thank you for letting us adopt Willow. She is a true joy to have as a companion. She loves to run all over the house and play with her toys. She loves to cuddle and will follow you meowing for attention. She really is a blessing to love and care for. Her arrival to our home has brought us closer as a family. Thank You.
Sincerely, Patricia Chavez & Family
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
We adopted Zydeco (PAWS name: Sandy) on 9/18/2005. She had come to PAWS Chicago with the second group of Katrina evacuees. Zydeco has adapted nicely and has made herself quite comfortable in her new home. We thank PAWS very much for bringing her to us and for all the wonderful work you do.
 
Hi!
I am an alumni from the PAWS class of 2005. While at PAWS Chicago my name was Tristan, but now I have a much better name and people call me Oxford. I love my new  home and look forward to seeing my photo on the website. 
- Oxford
 
Dear P.A.W.S. Chicago,
My wife Michelle and I would like to update you on the progress of our dog Cajun (P.A.W.S. name: Share). Cajun was brought to Chicago by P.A.W.S volunteers as part of the third rescue mission following Hurricane Katrina, and we adopted her in November, 2005.
Cajun has been great addition to our family. While we are sad that she lost her original family and home, we are grateful to have her in our lives. Cajun is an incredibly smart, fun, and loving dog. It's very clear that she was someone's pet, as she was already very friendly and well-socialized when she came to us in November. Since then,
she has adjusted very well to her new home. In fact, Cajun recently graduated from obedience school (seen on graduation day in this photo), and we couldn't be happier! Now that the foster-to-adopt period is finished and Cajun is finally ours, we feel that we need to thank all of the great people at P.A.W.S. We are grateful to the people who rescued her, and likewise grateful to Rachael, who fostered Cajun at her home for two weeks after her initial rescue. We don't want to think about what would have become of Cajun and so many other wonderful animals if there were no P.A.W.S. volunteers giving so much of themselves to help find good homes for animals. Thank you and keep up the good work. - T.R. and Michelle Findlay
 
Hi there!
We wanted to update you on the life of Abe Francis Fadal (PAWS name Francis). What a life he has! We adopted him from the Ralph Lauren store during the Angels With Tails event in May of 2004. He was part of the St. Patrick's Day litter! From day one, he has brought so much happiness into our lives. We moved to Florida in October of 2004, so Abe has definitely enjoyed the beach life to the fullest. Our home is about one mile away from
the local dog beach which he frequents at least once a week. He is the fastest swimmer and best ball catcher we have ever seen. Not to mention, he is a quick study. He has been the allstar in each and every training class! In fact, we were so inspired by Abe, that we opened a dog store in Tampa last year (Wag). Abe hangs out at the store every day, plays beautifully with all of our four legged visitors, and has a great time product testing! Thank you for doing such amazing work and bringing this big furry guy into our lives!   
Warm regards, Cristan and Jennifer Fadal
 
Hi!
Miles
became a part of my family in January 2001. Brother to Emma, Bela, and Margo (on page 12), he was the one that caught my eye. He was so small, only about 10lbs when I got him. Miles became a partner in crime to my cat Ulysses. He never understood the concept that he was not a cat and would run though the house at break neck speed and try to cut around corners only to crash into doors, people, or Ulysses. Miles was a part of
my family until April 4th when he was diagnosed with the most severe form of Lupus and unable to come home from the hospital. Because of the severity of the Lupus, he had to be put to sleep. He was a wonderful companion and dutiful friend. - Kellie S.
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
After I adopted my dog from PAWS Chicago, I named him Remy (PAWS name Remington). He is now five months old and very intelligent. He knows how to "come", "sit", "lay", "beg", say "hi" by giving you his paw, and is very attentive especially when there are treats. Remy is an observer. He likes to sit and watch everything especially when there is a lot going on in the house. He is currently enrolled in puppy classes, which I think he
enjoys because he gets to meet other dogs his own age.  Thanks again!
 
Jazzy (PAWS name Jazmine) has been with us for 6 weeks now and she only further embeds herself in my heart and admiration as she did to win her way from foster care to adoption with me. She enjoys a three mile morning walk along the lake, a five mile afternoon walk through forest preserves and campuses, and an evening walk along the lake where she chases dozens of rabbits. On her daily walks she is on high alert for squirrels. She heels and comes on command like a champ, even when
the temptation to go to animals and interesting people tugs at her. She stakes comfortable and cozy claim to all furniture and our bed. Lastly, she has a core "pack" of dogs she regularly socializes with at least three times a week. She is getting smarter, more responsive and loving with each day. She and I promise to help dispel the stigma attached to Pit Bulls by using her as an exemplar. Jazzy sends her love to the good people of PAWS.
 
We just wanted to send PAWS a quick note to let everyone know how
Moose (PAWS name Hershey) is doing! We adopted Moose from Angels With Tails on Michigan Avenue in 2005, and now we can't imagine life
without him! Moose was the runt of the litter and although he's finished growing, he is not quite 30 pounds. Consequently, he fools everyone into thinking he is still a baby and milks the "puppy factor" for all it's worth. He took forever to potty-train, but once he figured it out that grass and carpet are not the same thing, he caught on instantly. He knows how to sit, lay
down, shake, and stay, and even waits patiently for his food until he is told to "Go get it!" He attends Doggie Day Care a few times a week and is the most popular dog there - every canine and person loves him! He is very protective of Mommy, likes to wrestle with Daddy, and takes up the majority of the bed every night snuggled between them both. Spoiled rotten would be an understatement for this adorable dog! Here is a picture of Moose during the holidays - he was the star of our Christmas card! Thanks, PAWS, for bringing this little rascal into our lives!
 
We adopted Faith (PAWS name Pam) from you about 3 1/2 years ago and fell completely in love. She was not just a dog but a very important part of our family. We had been through a lot together and with her there nothing seemed too difficult. Up until last night, Faith had been battling breathing problems. After a lengthy operation that removed part of her left lung we thought we were ok. But after only one night back at home she had to go back to the hospital enduring yet another surgery. This one however could
not save her. Although Faith has lost her battle, she did not leave without a fight. She will be unbelievably missed.  Thank you PAWS for our angel. - The Garcia Family
 
Greetings!
My name is Nola (I used to be called Athena when I lived at PAWS and before I came to my forever home). I was rescued by PAWS Chicago, along with so many other dogs, from the New Orleans area after the hurricanes hit. My name, NOLA, is an abbreviation for New Orleans, Louisiana, that my mom and dad learned a few years ago when they visited there. Since I came
home in October, I've really warmed up to my family, including my big sister, Rhett, who I totally adore (this picture is of us cuddling at home). I stay really close to her and she's taught me the ropes. I also am really snuggly with my Mom and Dad and like to curl up right next to them on the couch. I really, truly want to thank the PAWS Chicago staff and volunteers who rescued me and took care of me until my Mom and Dad could find me. They even call me "princess" at home! I'm so lucky!
 
Do you believe in love at first sight? I went into PAWS to Foster Charley (PAWS name Cha Cha) for Thanksgiving weekend. The minute he came running into the PAWS office, I knew he was the one for me. He loves to go to the dog park, visit family and even enjoys his training class. He is the smartest one!  Thanks PAWS Chicago, Charley has changed my life and I can't imagine a day without him!                   
- Rachel
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
I just wanted to say thank you for our wonderful dog. My husband and I are from Racine. When you returned with the first batch of rescue animals from down south, we drove there to take one home. They were all gone. When we went a second time, most of them were gone. We had an idea of what kind of a dog we wanted. I knew I was going to help regardless of what kind of a dog I took
home. We ended up with a beautiful lab mix named Lisa. I knew when she perked her ears up on the ride home that I loved her. We subsequently named her Abby. I call her my New Orleans Saint. I couldn't have custom ordered a better dog. She is the sweetest, most loveable, well behaved dog I've ever known. She slept in our bed the first night home. I am so thankful to have her and we love her to no end. I'm so glad we ended up with her and I hope this story makes you smile. This is our family photo. Abby is the black one. Dixie is our beagle pug we had prior. - Dana Oninski
 
Chewbacca (PAWS name Possum) is doing wonderful, and we're very grateful  to PAWS Chicago for bringing us together with her. Chewy loves to snuggle with her stuffed animals, chew on rawhide, and be the center of attention  (which is easy --- everyone loves her). She has the sweetest temperament and loves people and animals alike. She's a fuzzy ball of love, and we couldn't be happier to have her in our lives. Thanks again! - Valerie
 
Bella Bleu (PAWS name Billie) came to us shortly after we lost our beloved lab mix of 13 years to cancer. The dog we lost was the only male dog we've ever had, and my husband and boys wanted another male, but I wanted a female. It turns out, we all got what we wanted. "Bleu" is a beautiful girl that is such a Tom Boy! She loves to wrestle with our sons and other dog and run like the wind in our back yard! She's a perfect addition for our family! Thank you PAWS and keep up the wonderful work you do!  - Susan
 
Happy New Year! I wanted to send PAWS holiday pictures of Bacchus (PAWS name "George") who I adopted in September and Sheridan and Foster who I adopted from PAWS in 2001. Bacchus has been a sheer joy! They are all doing great! Bacchus is now 4 ½ months...FULL of energy! He loves to run, play catch and play with his chew toys! He came up from Katrina and is doing really well! He loves everybody and everything! Sheridan and Foster are brothers from the same litter. They are 4 ½ yrs. Foster is the devious one of the two...always into something. He loves to play hide and seek in the hallway, as well as plays catch. Sheridan, on the other hand, loves to lounge. He is definitely a lap cat and loves to snuggle. Plus, he is very social!  Thanks again PAWS Chicago!  - Mary Lou
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
I adopted Shamrock (now known as Milo) not too long ago, and thought you might like a couple of pictures of him with his new best friend, Arty. They get along superbly and are both spoiled silly by me and my roommates. Thanks for giving us the chance to take care of Shamrock. He's darling, if very strange (in a good way), cat.       
- Flannery
 
Dear PAWS Chicago,
Here is a picture of me, my fiancé and Clover (we kept her original
name she came with, since we live on Clover Lane and we're getting married the day after St. Patrick's day). Clover found us at the mall in November and we fell in love with her gentle spirit. She is quiet, eager for love and attention and just LOVES people. She hasn't gotten the idea of making noise when she has to go out, so she learned to ring a
jingle bell on the door instead. She is great and we are so lucky to have her. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to have such a wonderful sweet dog in our lives.              
- Julie Traskaski and Eric Barth
 
It's been almost a year now since Denham came into our lives. He is a sweet, happy and energetic dog. He loves snuggling on the couch, playing tug-of-war, shaking paws with anyone, and watching television! He especially loves to go on runs through the park and meeting new friends. We have had such a good year with Denham and it's all because of PAWS Chicago. Thanks so much!
 - Marinel, Terry & Denham Cahill
 
Dear PAWS,
Hi, my name is Penny Lane (left) and this is my sister Harley Dogedson (PAWS name Malamar). We just wanted to thank everyone at PAWS for giving us so much love and care. You see I am blind, and my litter mate was my seeing-eye sister, Harley, who always got me out of a jam. We were lucky enough to be adopted together. My mothers say I was very easy to train, as I just sniffed
my way through the house. I can basically smell Cheeto’s four blocks away!  Although the stairs were a bit tricky for me, before long I had the entire household crawling on their stomachs, head first, down the stairs, in an effort to help me get the hang of it. It worked! Our older sisters Kai and Lucy welcomed us with open paws. Harley and I are now partners in crime. I pretend to be the lookout dog (ha) while Harley steals food from the other bowls. Without the love and care we were given during our stay at PAWS, we would not have survived. My mothers say they would adopt special-needs pet again because I’m so darned GOOD and was so easy to train. A big shout-out goes to our littermates Mikey and Molly who were also adopted together. Can we please see your photo?  Thank you PAWS for all you do!
- Penny Lane, Harley Dogedson, Kai, Alicia & Gail Baylina-Estka
PAWS Alumni: 12 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |

 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |

Send your PAWS Alumni stories (100 words or less) and photos to alumni@pawschicago.org.